Pakistan hopeful over injured Amir

Pakistan gave an encouraging update on Mohammad Amir's fitness after the paceman was troubled by a knee injury on day three of the historic Test against Ireland.

Amir came off the field in Malahide on Sunday, having cut short his fourth over just two balls in due to pain in his left knee.

The left-arm quick was able to return before stumps, but was kept out of the attack and received treatment after the close of play.

Amir headed out to the middle when play resumed on day four and Pakistan are hopeful that he is able to bowl just 10 days before the first Test against England gets under way at Lord's.

Pakistan took two early wickets on Monday, reducing Ireland to 76-2 following on - needing another 104 runs to make the tourists bat again.

Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan's bowling coach, on Sunday stated that Amir may have to be wrapped in cotton wool

"We want him to play Test cricket because he is our number one bowler and we want him to run in and bowl for us." said Mahmood.

"Workload - I have seen a lot of fast bowlers and their body can't take it, so they just manage to play one format or two formats. It's a concern for us but hopefully we will manage his workload in the future."